Fuel-Efficient Electrified SUVs

Fuel-Efficient Electrified SUVs
Today many automakers are adding new electrified vehicles to their lineups, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions of sport-utility vehicles and crossovers. New all-electric crossovers include the Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-PACE and the Tesla Model Y, while other models receive mild hybrid technology that stores more electrical energy, improves efficiency and provides additional power for a short period of time. This list of fuel-efficient electrified SUVs includes all current models that offer an electrified version, sorted in descending order by combined MPGe or combined MPG ratings. MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) estimates the miles a vehicle can travel on the energy similar to a gallon of gasoline. Note the U.S. EPA does not report city / highway fuel economy for plug-in hybrids, but does report gas / electric MPGe combined and gas MPG combined.

2020 Tesla Model Y Performance AWD
Starting MSRP: $52,990
EPA Rating (combined): 121 MPGe
The newest model in the Tesla lineup, the Model Y moves directly to the top of the charts as the most fuel-efficient crossover sold in America with an EPA combined rating of 121 MPGe. Smaller than Model X, Model Y offers optional third-row seating for up to seven occupants. The dual-motor system provides torque to both the front and rear axles for all-wheel-drive capability. According to Tesla, Model Y will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 145 mph. The EPA estimated range is 315 miles, and according to Tesla the Model Y can recharge up to 158 miles in 15 minutes at a Supercharger location.

2020 Tesla Model X
Starting MSRP: $84,990
EPA Rating (combined): 101 MPGe
The first production electric SUV on the market, the Tesla Model X Standard Range is rated at 101 MPGe with an EPA-estimated driving range of 258 miles. The Model X Long Range offers a 328-mile range and is rated at 96 MPGe. The Model X Long Range is powered by dual-motor all-wheel drive and will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph. Adaptive air suspension is standard; the Model X offers seating for seven, with access to the rear seat via top-hinged Falcon Wing doors. Thanks to the absence of an internal combustion engine, the Model X has a large front trunk in addition to a rear cargo area.

2020 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $35,145
EPA Rating (combined): 90 MPGe / 35 MPG
The first ever plug-in hybrid vehicle from Subaru, the 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid is based on the top-level Crosstrek Limited trim. The Crosstrek Hybrid combines a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine with a Lineartronic CVT with two integrated Motor Generators for up to 17 miles of electric range at speeds up to 65 mph and an EPA rating of 90 MPGe. The Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is designed for a PHEV with an electronically-controlled variable transfer clutch. The onboard charging system will charge the 8.8-kWh lithium-ion battery in five hours with 120-volt power, and in approximately two hours with 240 volts.

2020 Jaguar I-PACE
Starting MSRP: $69,850
EPA Rating (combined): 76 MPGe
The all-new Jaguar I-PACE is a fully electric luxury crossover that delivers excellent on-road performance as well as off-road capability. The all-wheel-drive I-PACE is powered by two electric motors, one driving each axle, for a total output of 394 horsepower and 512 lb-ft of torque, which makes the I-PACE capable of accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Drivers can choose a mode according to driving conditions that changes throttle response, suspension and steering — there is even a Rain / Ice / Snow mode. All I-PACE trims come well equipped with high levels of luxury, as well as the latest high-tech safety features including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic monitor, traffic-sign recognition and clear exit monitor.

2019 Audi e-tron
Starting MSRP: $74,800
EPA Rating (combined): 74 MPGe
The first fully electric model from Audi, the e-tron is a premium 5-seat midsize crossover with an EPA-estimated range of more than 200 miles. Similar in size to the Audi Q8, the e-tron has a wheelbase of 115.1 inches and a height of 65.5 inches. Audi e-tron is motivated by two powerful electric motors — one powering each axle — creating a new generation of quattro electric all-wheel drive that can adjust the amount of torque delivered to each axle for ideal balance according to driving conditions. Power output from the two electric motors is 355 horsepower, and in Boost mode increases to 402 horsepower, allowing e-tron to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds.

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Starting MSRP: $36,295
EPA Rating (combined): 74 MPGe / 25 MPG
For 2019 the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV received exterior updates including a new grille, headlights, lower bumper accents, 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. The Outlander PHEV combines a 2.0-liter gas engine and two high-performance electric motors — one at the front and one at the rear — for a combined 224 horsepower. The electric motors provide instant torque for Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control 4WD system, designed to deliver efficient all-weather capability and efficiency.

2020 Audi Q5 55 TFSI e
Starting MSRP: $52,900
EPA Rating (combined): 65 MPGe / 27 MPG
For 2020 Audi adds the Q5 55 TFSI e quattro — the first plug-in hybrid version of the popular Q5 compact crossover. The Q5 plug-in hybrid combines a 2.0-liter TFSI engine with an electric motor positioned between the engine and the 7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch transmission for a total combined system output of 349 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. With standard quattro all-wheel drive, the Q5 55 TFSI e will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds — nearly a second faster than the standard Q5. With a 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, the Q5 55 TFSIO e has an electric-only range of 20 miles and receives an EPA combined rating of 65 MPGe.

2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e
Starting MSRP: TBA
EPA Rating (combined): 60 MPGe / 24 MPG
For 2020 BMW adds the X3 xDrive30e, the first plug-in hybrid version of the popular X3 compact crossover. The X3 xDrive30e combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 184 horsepower with an 80-kW electric motor integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic transmission for a total system output of 292 horsepower. With standard sDrive all-wheel drive, the X3 plug-in will accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 6.0 seconds. With advanced battery cell technology, the high-voltage battery can store 12.0 kWh of energy for an EPA estimated all-electric range of 17 miles and the X3 xDrive30e receives an EPA rating of 60 MPGe.

2020 Volvo XC60 AWD PHEV
Starting MSRP: $54,595
EPA Rating (combined): 57 MPGe / 27 MPG
Volvo’s most popular SUV, the XC60 was redesigned for the 2018 model year and in addition to new styling and features, the premium crossover is now available with the same powerplants as its larger sibling, the XC90. The most fuel-efficient — and most powerful — of them all is the T8 plug-in hybrid, which employs a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged engine sending power to the front wheels, while an electric motor powers the rear wheels. Total power output is up to 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. The immediate torque of the electric motor helps the XC60 T8 reach 60 mph in less than 5 seconds. For 2020 Volvo also adds the high-performance XC60 Polestar Engineered. Based on the XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid, the Polestar Engineered version gets a bump to 415 horsepower and 494 lb-ft of torque.

2019 Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC
Starting MSRP: $51,900
EPA Rating (combined): 56 MPGe / 25 MPG
GLC is the compact luxury crossover offering of the Mercedes-Benz lineup; the GLC 350e plug-in hybrid was added for the 2018 model year. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine teamed with a potent 85 kW electric motor that produces a total of 320 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. The GLC 350e 4MATIC will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a bit over 6 seconds and the power is usable in all weather conditions, thanks to the Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system that works with the electronic stability control to optimize torque at every wheel. The all-new GLC 350e 4Matic EQ Boost Plug-in Hybrid debuted last September in Frankfurt and is scheduled to arrive in the first half of 2020.

2020 Volvo XC90 AWD PHEV
Starting MSRP: $67,000
EPA Rating (combined): 55 MPGe / 27 MPG
One of the larger and more luxurious plug-in hybrid SUVs on the market, the XC90 gets fresh styling and some new features for the 2020 model year. The overall exterior look remains, but subtle updates include a more concave grille design with two-color inlays and a chrome-accented frame. Front and rear bumpers have also been restyled, and the XC90 gets updated wheel designs. Also new for 2020 is an available 6-passenger configuration in the XC90 that replaces the second-row bench with individual bucket seats. Not only does this provide a more comfortable seating area for second-row passengers, access to the third row is easier and passengers relegated to that aft row get a welcome increase in legroom. Like the other T8 PHEV models in the Volvo lineup, the XC90 gets the 2.0-liter supercharged and turbocharged 4-cylinder engine teamed with a powerful electric motor. Total output for the hybrid system is 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque.

2019 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $81,100
EPA Rating (combined): 46 MPGe / 22 MPG
Porsche introduced an all-new Cayenne for the 2019 model year, and a few months ago the automaker added the Cayenne E-Hybrid to the lineup. The Cayenne E-Hybrid derives power from a 3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine teamed with an electric motor to serve up a combined 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque — good enough to sprint to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and hit a top track speed of 157 mph. For those looking for something more powerful, Porsche has also introduced the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid with the same electric motor, but teams it with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine for a total output of 670 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque.

2020 Bentley Bentayga PHEV
Starting MSRP: $156,900
EPA Rating (combined): 45 MPGe / 19 MPG
The first Bentley SUV is also the first plug-in hybrid-electric vehicle for the British marque: the Bentayga PHEV. The new hybrid distinguishes itself from other models with copper-colored badges on the lower front doors and the tailgate; a copper finish for the wheel centers and Bentley badges; and “Hybrid” on the door sill plates. The Bentayga PHEV is powered by a new turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 gasoline engine teamed with an advanced electric motor that works as both a motor and a generator as part of the hybrid system. According to Bentley, the battery can be recharged in 7.5 hours with a standard home outlet, or 2.5 hours with a high-capacity charger. The hybrid mode can be selected by the driver with a choice of EV Drive, Hybrid and Hold. The Driver’s Information Panel displays E Motion information regarding performance, consumption and energy source, while the infotainment screen displays energy flow for each of the E modes. The EPA estimated electric only range is 18 miles.

2020 Land Rover Range Rover Sport P400e
Starting MSRP: $79,000
EPA Rating (combined): 42 MPGe / 19 MPG
The Range Rover Sport also adds a Plug-in Hybrid version for 2020, powered by the same hybrid drivetrain as the Range Rover P400e, which combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter gasoline engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque with a 105kW electric motor for total system output of 398 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. Power is delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission and permanent all-wheel drive. Range Rover Sport received the new Mild-Hybrid inline 6-cylinder drivetrains for 2019, and for 2020 the Range Rover Sport SE and HSE are powered by the 355-horsepower version and the HST features the 395-horsepower version. The Range Rover Sport SE Mild-Hybrid starts at $68,650.

2020 Lexus UX 250h
Starting MSRP: $34,500
EPA Rating (combined): 42 MPG
For the 2019 model year, Lexus added UX to the growing compact luxury crossover market, including the UX 250h AWD hybrid. The UX is the first Lexus vehicle to use the brand’s Global Architecture — Compact platform, providing the new crossover with a rigid structure and low center of gravity designed to deliver both agile handling and improved ride comfort. The exterior styling is similar to the larger NX and RX models but more aggressive, with a large spindle grille that dominates the front view. The UX 250h is powered by a fourth-generation hybrid system with a total output of 181 horsepower. The hybrid uses the Lexus E-Four all-wheel-drive system that adds another electric motor at the rear axle.

2020 Ford Escape Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $28,265
EPA Rating (combined): 41 MPG
The Escape crossover is Ford’s second-best-selling model behind the F-Series pickup, and is all-new for 2020 with fresh styling, new features and fuel-efficient engine options. Ford was the first manufacturer to offer a hybrid SUV with the 2005 Escape Hybrid, and the 2020 Escape SE Sport Hybrid marks the return of a hybrid Escape, as well as the addition of a plug-in hybrid variant available spring 2020. The Escape Hybrid powertrain features a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder engine teamed with an electric motor to produce a total of 198 horsepower, delivered through an electronic CVT. The 2020 Escape Hybrid FWD is rated at 41 MPG combined, and the AWD version drops slightly to 40 MPG combined.

2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD
Starting MSRP: $28,350
EPA Rating (combined): 40 MPG
The Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for 2019 and finished the year as the best-selling SUV in America, thanks to a 92 percent sales increase for RAV4 Hybrid. One of the original compact crossovers on the American market, the RAV4 Hybrid joined the lineup in 2016 and the latest version boasts bold styling, improved capability, better performance and an array of new safety and convenience features. The next-generation Toyota Hybrid System II in the RAV4 HV is more compact, more efficient and quieter than the previous version, working together with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Dynamic Force gasoline engine. Power gets delivered to the front wheels through a continuously variable transmission, and the new e-AWD system adds an independent electric motor to proactively deliver torque to the rear wheels depending on conditions.

2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $27,750
EPA Rating (combined): 38 MPG
Honda’s best-selling model, the CR-V crossover has been updated for 2020, and for the first time a CR-V Hybrid is offered — the first electrified SUV from the Japanese car company. Across the board, the 2020 CR-V receives updated front and rear styling, redesigned wheels and the standard Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features. Similar to the Honda Accord Hybrid, the CR-V Hybrid uses a 2-motor hybrid powertrain that teams two electric motors with a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle engine for a combined output of 212 horsepower, making it the most powerful model in the CR-V lineup. The 2020 CR-V Hybrid is also the first application of this innovative hybrid powertrain in an all-wheel-drive vehicle — directing power to the rear wheels when needed.

2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $38,200
EPA Rating (combined): 36 MPG
The fourth-generation Toyota Highlander debuts as a 2020 model with new exterior styling, a more refined interior and a more fuel-efficient hybrid. The Highlander Hybrid is powered by the new-generation Toyota Hybrid System that combines a high-efficiency 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors for a total output of 243 horsepower in a system that’s more compact and more efficient than before. For the first time, the Highlander Hybrid is offered in front-wheel drive, achieving an EPA rating of 36 MPG combined — a 24 percent increase over the previous-generation Highlander Hybrid. The 2020 Highlander Hybrid AWD has a rear-mounted electric motor to power the rear wheels when all-wheel drive is needed. The EPA rating for the Highlander Hybrid AWD is nearly as good at 35 MPG city / 35 MPG highway / 35 MPG combined.

2020 Lexus NX 300h
Starting MSRP: $39,420
EPA Rating (combined): 31 MPG
Lexus added the NX for the 2015 model year to compete in the growing compact luxury SUV segment, including the NX 300h AWD hybrid version. For 2018 this hybrid model received a complete refresh with updated styling and new features. Utilizing the latest Lexus hybrid system, the NX 300h is powered by a 2.5-liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder engine teamed with a high-torque electric motor to drive the front wheels, while an additional electric motor provides power to the rear wheels as needed. Total power output for the complete hybrid system is 194 horsepower and the NX 300h earns an EPA rating of 31 MPG combined.

2020 Lexus RX 450h
Starting MSRP: $46,800
EPA Rating (combined): 30 MPG
One of the first luxury crossovers on the market, the RX remains the best-selling Lexus model ever and continues to be one of the top-selling luxury models. Redesigned for the 2020 model year, Lexus adds the longer wheelbase RX L version. Both the RX and RX L are offered as the 450h — a sophisticated hybrid system that combines a 3.5-liter V6 gas engine with two electric motors, one at the front combined with the V6 engine to drive the front wheels, and another driving the rear wheels. The electric all-wheel-drive system generates a total of 308 horsepower, providing excellent all-weather performance in addition to great fuel economy. The RX 450h receives an EPA combined rating of 30 MPG, with the RX 450h L rated at 29 MPG.

2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid
Starting MSRP: $51,320
EPA Rating (combined): 28 MPG
The 2020 Explorer has been redesigned for the new model year and — for the first time — Ford offers the iconic SUV with a hybrid powertrain. Available only on the Limited, the hybrid powertrain features a 3.3-liter V6 teamed with an electric motor to produce a total of 318 horsepower. The Hybrid employs a specially designed liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery built into the Explorer chassis, located below the second-row seats to eliminate any reduction in cargo or passenger space. The rear-wheel drive Explorer Hybrid receives an EPA rating of 28 MPG combined, and the AWD version is rated at 25 MPG combined.

2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid AWD
Starting MSRP: $53,000
EPA Rating (combined): 27 MPG
The 2020 Acura MDX Sport Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine combined with Acura’s three-motor Sport Hybrid Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive as the most powerful and efficient vehicle in the Acura lineup. The system produces a total of 321 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, with power from the V6 delivered through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The SH-AWD includes two rear-mounted electric motors delivering power directly to the rear wheels. The MDX Sport Hybrid is offered with Technology or Advance Packages. The Tech Package includes seating for seven while the Advance Package features seating for six with second-row captain’s chairs and a large center console.

2020 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque MHEV
Starting MSRP: $46,600
EPA Rating (combined): 23 MPG
Redesigned for 2020, the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque receives a new mild-hybrid powertrain as the more powerful engine for the R-Dynamic trim levels. The Range Rover Evoque R-Dynamic trim levels are powered by a 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged 2.0-liter Ingenium 4-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The redesigned 2020 Evoque features a fast roofline and a rising beltline with pronounced shoulders and strong wheel arches. The exterior update adds new slim LED headlights, slim LED taillights, flush door handles and bold air intakes in the lower front fascia.

2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport MHEV
Starting MSRP: $43,100
EPA Rating (combined): 21 MPG
For 2020 the Land Rover Discovery Sport also adds a mild-hybrid powertrain for the top-level Discovery Sport R-Dynamic HSE P290 trim. The mild-hybrid system combines a 48-volt electrical system with the turbocharged 2.0-liter Ingenium engine with output of 286 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For 2020 the Discovery Sport receives a new grille design, full LED exterior lighting and new front and rear bumpers. The new 40:20:40 second-row seat improves versatility with an available 5+2 third-row seating option.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4Matic
Starting MSRP: $61,150
EPA Rating (combined): 21 MPG
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE is offered with two mild-hybrid powertrains that include a 48-volt electric system and an integrated electric motor system known as EQ Boost. The EQ Boost system includes a powerful Integrated-Starter Generator and can assist the combustion engine with up to 21 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque for short periods of time, allowing the car to drive without the combustion engine in certain circumstances and charges the battery with high-efficiency recuperation. The GLE 450 4Matic is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, combined with EQ Boost for an EPA rating of 21 MPG combined. The GLE 580 4Matic features a 4.0-liter V8 Biturbo producing 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque with EQ Boost, rated at 19 MPG combined.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4Matic
Starting MSRP: $75,200
EPA Rating (combined): 21 MPG
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS is also offered with two mild-hybrid powertrains with EQ Boost technology to improve both performance and fuel efficiency. The powerful Integrated-Starter Generator can provide up to 21 horsepower and 184 lb-feet of torque for short periods of time, allow the GLS to “sail” without the combustion engine in certain circumstances and recover braking energy to charge the battery. The GLS 450 4Matic is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, combined with EQ Boost for an EPA rating of 21 MPG combined. The GLS 580 4Matic features a 4.0-liter V8 Biturbo producing 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque with EQ Boost, rated at 18 MPG combined.

2020 Audi Q7
Starting MSRP: $60,800
EPA Rating (combined): 18 MPG
The 2020 Audi Q7 has refreshed exterior styling, interior updates, new driver assistance technology and a new mild-hybrid powertrain with 48-volt electrical system, 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and standard quattro all-wheel drive. The new 3.0-liter TFSI V6 debuted last year in the Q8 and now transfers to the 2020 Q7, producing 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque — an increase of 44 lb-ft over the previous supercharged V6 — with peak torque available over a broader rpm range. The 48-volt mild hybrid system includes a belt alternator starter and larger capacity to improve the efficiency of the powerful V6 engine, recharge the battery and improve the overall smoothness of the drivetrain.